Governor Schwarzenegger offers rewards for information in four unsolved cases

Submitted By Aaron McLear

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today offered rewards for information leading to the arrest and conviction in a California court of the person or persons responsible for the following four unsolved cases in California. The following is a brief description of each crime and the reward amount offered:

On January 31, 1996, 16-year-old Aref Mohamed was working at the convenience store owned by his family in Stratford when he was robbed and murdered. The Governor is offering a reward in the amount of $50,000. It was requested by Kings County District Attorney Ronald L. Calhoun and Kings County Sheriff Chris Jordan.

On December 11, 2005, 20-year-old Chairo Garibay was kidnapped from her Olivehurst home and was considered missing until January 16, 2006, when her body was found alongside a drainage canal. On December 12, 2006, a $25,000 reward was issued by the Governor. The Governor is increasing the original $25,000 reward by $25,000 bringing the total reward amount to $50,000. The additional $25,000 reward amount was requested by Yuba County Sheriff Steven L. Durfor.

On July 30, 2007, 24-year-old Saul Herrera was shot to death in the front yard of his home in Fresno. The Governor is offering a reward in the amount of $50,000. It was requested by Fresno Police Chief Jerry P. Dyer.

On May 31, 2008, 53-year-old Gregory Ghan was found severely beaten at a park in Isla Vista. He was transported to the hospital and died from his injuries on June 10, 2008. The Governor is offering a reward in the amount of $25,000. It was requested by Santa Barbara Sheriff Bill Brown.

Under the Governor's Reward program, 263 rewards have been offered since 1967 and 19 have been paid. The reward process is initiated when the Governor receives a written request from the chief of the law enforcement agency with investigatory jurisdiction over the matter. This request informs the Governor that those responsible for the investigation have pursued all leads and believe in their independent judgment, that a reward will help them in their efforts and the crime is one for which a reward may be offered under California law and the victims' families support the reward. The Governor's legal affairs unit processes the request and ensures statutory compliance. The Governor makes the final determination regarding the request.

Rewards may be offered for specified crimes under the California Penal Code and subject to statutory maximums. Rewards do not expire and are only paid if the information leads to the arrest and conviction in a California court of the individual or individuals charged with the crime.